How to Deodorize a Cat Litter Box

Written by mandy slake

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Both cats and humans prefer litter boxes that don't stink. Remember that a cat's sense of smell is many times more acute than a human's. If you can smell the litter box, imagine how it must smell to your cat. A dirty litter box is one of the major reasons cats will relive themselves elsewhere, so it pays to keep the litter box clean and smelling fresh so that you and your cats will be happy.

Skill level:

Moderately Easy

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Things you need

Water

Detergent

Sponge

Chlorine bleach

Baking soda

Litter scoop

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Instructions

1

Empty out any used or leftover litter.

2

Rinse the empty litter box with warm water. Apply a small amount of detergent to the inside of the box and scrub thoroughly with a sponge.

3

Rinse out the detergent with fresh water. Apply a solution of one part bleach to 30 parts water. You can either spray it on using a hand sprayer or wipe it on using your sponge.

4

Rinse out the box with water and allow it to air-dry.

5

Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of the litter box to absorb litter-box odour. Add fresh litter on top.

6

Clean the litter box at least once a day. Scoop out any solid waste or clumps of urine using a litter scoop and dispose of them outside in the trash.

Tips and warnings

You can purchase deodorised kitty litter or deodorising powder meant specifically for litter boxes. Changing the litter too often or adding strong-smelling deodorisers may put some cats off using the box, so make any changes gradually.

Avoid using litter boxes with hoods, since the hood traps the smell. The box might smell OK to you, but when your cat steps inside, it's like entering a dirty bathroom.